Norwegian Wood: Million copy bestseller by Japanese author Haruki Murakami

The book came in perfect condition with a timely delivery.My rating for the book is ★★☆☆☆I picked this book since it was a long pending read of Murakami's work. I loved Kafka on the Shore and his book about running. So experiencing such a kind of lovely magical realism fiction and amazing non-fiction, this book fell short of my expectations by leaps and bounds.After completing the book, I didn't feel the impact. Of course, I can appreciate the sufferings of characters like Watanabe, Naoko, and Reiko but this book isn't any magic or out-of-the-world story that I would ask someone "Hey have you read 'Norwegian Wood'?".The entire story of this book is about Watanabe's love life and it is not interesting to me. As a whole, I felt that he was having lots of sex and liquor, he was studying the bare minimum and suffering for things out of his control. Watanabe, Naoko, and Reiko all lose someone they love a lot. The three of them suffer and the three of them have sex at different points of life. The sex at the end between Watanabe and Reiko seems to be plastic because, if he wants to have it, he could've very well had it with Midori. But he refused with her stating his love for Naoko. And all of a sudden in a skip of a heartbeat nothing stops him from having it with Reiko. I can't see this as a sign of pursuing happiness at all.Said that, I liked the way, Watanbe's personal life narrations intertwined with the backdrop of Japan's civil unrest. Also, the students' revolution ending inexplicably which enrages Watanabe, helps you visualize the late 60s of Japan while reading. Watanabe's Western influence in his taste for art and music shows that Murakami beautifully makes the 'East-meets-West' very relatable.Apart from that, the writing was so good to make you visualize the Spring, Autumn, and Winter of Japan which you would want to experience. Above all, the food that becomes an integral part of storytelling is simply admirable. That's something international.Excellent translation by Jay Rubin, who brought this story very close to me.Still, not recommending it.

Favorite Quote: “What happens when people open their hearts? They get better.”1. Murakami’s Style: 5/5He has a subtly unique way of creating this tone that feels both grounded and dreamlike takes you from ordinary to surreal and back.2. Theme: 5/5The deep themes of mental health, grief, love, and existential questioning. It is thought- provoking.3. Plot & Pace: 4/5I am personally a fast reader so for me the plot unfolds slowly, although the themes of love and loss are rich.4. Characters: 5/5The characters, especially Toru, Naoko, and Midori are so complex and yet authentic. Emotional background of the characters and their struggles are portrayed in a way that feels raw and real. I wonder where Storm Troopers go? Did he know he was made fun of so he left or did he also..?5. Emotional Impact: 4.5/5Such an emotional book that explores the complexities of mental health to personal trauma. The ending may fell like unresolved, but it also encourages reflection on love and loss.Well, a scene thats going to stay with me for longer is when Toru receives the last letter from Naoko to me grief hits the hardest in this scene. Her words, 'I wish I could have loved you better,' lingers long after the last page.Overall Rating: 4.5/5Norwegian Wood is a beautifully written and emotionally rich novel, but its slower pace and open-ended conclusion may not appeal to you.So strong that you might develop visual reading.Still, it’s a powerful read that stays with you.A definite must read.

While on a flight to Germany and while landing, the writer happens to listen to the song "Norwegian Wood" by Beatles.The wonderful song would have raised and must have elated the moods of all the other passengers on board listening to the pleasant, musical,soothing,lyrics ,but for the writer Murakami of "Norwegian Woods",as being narrated that the song always reminded him of his shuddering past,an unforgettable memory and a saddened truth which can't be erased from his memory.By the above we may conclude initially that it looked as if we are reading a sad story of someone whose thoughts are linked with the song.It also looked as if we are reading an autobiography of the one who has written the lines,until denied by the writer. himself. Murakami starts the book,"Norwegian Wood " with an exceptional beginning by picking up a popular Beatles song, titled,"Norwegian Wood",while putting life into the characters of the book simultaneously, filling with feelings and emotions, bringing out wonderful description of nature around,meadows,past memorable memories and the city of Tokyo, during the period 1968-70.The vivid description of dorms,universities,porn and students unrest etc are also brought out with such an impact that as a reader ,we have a feeling of witnessing the same in the present.As we continue reading, we learn that the lines above are thoughts of the protagonist, in the book'Thoru Watanabe' and the song "Norwegian Wood" by Beatles,was the favorite song of his beloved 'Naoko'.But then,to say the book as an ideal love story is also wrong,because on the one hand you read about the intense love,passion,emotions & feelings between Thoru Watanabe and Naoko(who is his best friend, Kizuki' s girl friend), but on the other hand we also witness the same intense relationship between him and,his other girlfriend, Midori and which is no less as close.Besides,we also come across about the physical relationship between Reiko and Watanabe(after the death of Naoko & who also happens to be a roommate & close friend of Naoko at the rehab sanctuary). We also read, the multiple flings of Watanabe with other girls, along with his friend Nagaswa while at dormitory and during their college days etc makes the feeling strong that the book is not an ideal love story though it's hard to keep the feeling aside at many a places, which is an incredible art by the writer to keep the intrest of the readers.With the number of deaths in the story by suicides (Kizuki,Hatsumi,Naoka),the frequent failure of love between(Toru Watanabe with Naoka and Midori, & Nagasawa with Hatsumi) ,an happily married life ending into divorce due to an unfortunate rumor (Reiko's ending up in a rehab) makes the story sad and tragic.With out doubt these things on the part of the reader - I.e. the subtle feeling of autobiographical part,the love story part, and the sad & tragic part intrigues us.Thetakeaways from the book are the strong and unflinching friendships that exist between different characters.,the mention of Beatles songs and books like Great Gatsby,which are skillfully clubbed with the story.Though it's not a suggestion to listen to the song of Beatles or read the book ,but definitely most of the readers may endup doing so if not done earlier,just out of curiosity. The charecter of Toru Watanabe for eg, as a caregiver to Midori's father while giving her a break touches us near to the heart.Then complimenting Midori for her cuteness with words like "So cute that the Mountains crumble and the Oceans dry up,"etc brings out the wit in him ,the replies that comes from Thoru Watanabe,and also being a favorite and being liked by every other charecter in the bookgoes down long with the reader.Similarly, the mention of Storm Trooper and his habits of being a perfectionistbring a lot of laughter.Above all,both the writing by Murakami and the translation by Jay Rubin are outstanding..

The life of Toru Watanabe is so emotional. Loved the book and it was a great introduction to the world Murakami.